Chapter 68 Valentine And Horror
Seraphina stood before her full-length mirror, taking in the sight of herself in the low V-neck red dress Julian had sent to her via a maid. The wine-colored clutch rested delicately in her hand, her red heels adding the perfect finishing touch.
It was the fourteenth of February- Valentine’s Day. And she couldn’t help but wonder if Julian had intentionally fixed a dinner for them because of the day’s occasion.
The color of the dress, the timing… everything screamed intention. Was tonight meant to celebrate more than just a discussion, or she was being delusional again?
She ran her fingers through her hair, letting it cascade around her neck, her bold makeup and striking lipstick making her feel daring. Perhaps, just perhaps, she wanted to see his pupils dilate when he saw her. But she knew better than to let herself expect too much—he had made it clear yesterday that she wasn’t “special,” at least in the way her heart hoped.
Still, the news of their wedding making waves online brought a small, secretive smile to her lips. The thought of her stepfamily- including Damien- seeing it, excited her in some way.
And if tonight’s date made its way to the media, the whispers and envy would only intensify. She didn’t mind the little oppression she and Julian were exerting as passive revenge, before the big deal would eventually happen.
She chuckled softly, turning to inspect herself again, noticing the faint fading of the hickeys Julian had left two nights ago. Her fingers traced the marks, and a shiver ran through her at the memory of his relentless attention, the way he had made her body feel… claimed.
How could she ever get that night off her mind?
It was the most pleasurable moment she had ever had in her entire life. She felt like, comparing that night with what she had with Damien or the other random man she had sexual experience with was disrespectful.
She wondered if any man would ever match again- if she ever decided to love again of course. What happened in the dark room with Julian was a memory she couldn’t forget anytime soon.
Her phone buzzed on her bed at the same moment a knock echoed on her door. Sheila’s name flashed on the screen, and she contemplated picking, but she had been expecting Julian and he might be the one knocking.
But when she opened the door, it was Joye standing there instead. A small pang of disappointment slid through her chest, quickly masked by a polite smile.
Joye’s eyes flickered with hesitation, still conscious of what Seraphina now knew about her. Seraphina noticed her discomfort.
She let her lips stretch into a smile as she told her, “Please, be free with me like you were before, Joye. I’m not mad.”
Joye’s face brightened instantly. “Really…ma’am?”
“Yes, really.” Seraphina confirmed, “But I just hope that Vincent isn’t taking advantage of you.”
“He’s not.” Joye said, a hint of pride in her voice. “He’s shown me more attention than anyone in my life ever has.”
Seraphina tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “Hmmm. As much as I’d love to hear all about that, I have a date with… Julian tonight.”
Joye’s smile widened. “Oh, Val is in the air. No wonder you’re looking… ravishing.”
Seraphina returned the smile warmly. “Thank you, Joye, for always making me feel beautiful.”
Her phone beeped again. This time around, it was a text message from Julian. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of her baby’s daddy’s name.
She opened it and read, “My chauffeur will take you to the venue. I’ll meet you there shortly.”
Her stomach fluttered unexpectedly. Joye noticed and tilted her head. “Is something wrong?”
Seraphina quickly masked the nerves with a smile. “Nothing at all. I have to leave now. Have a wonderful night.” She winked at Joye before stepping out.
—
The ride in her new gifted car was quiet, the plush interior making her feel safe, yet she felt tense. She had expected Julian to come himself, but he hadn’t, and she found herself mildly annoyed—but kept her composure.
Emotions could be crazy. You would want to act one way, but your real feelings always find their ways to weave through.
If she could have it her way, she didn’t want anything he does to get to her at all.
She planned to act distant tonight, to sit across him at the venue and look dangerously, seductively untouchable.
The fireworks of Las Vegas painted the sky outside the tinted windows, and she allowed herself a small smile. “Las Vegas is beautiful,” she murmured to herself, but the chauffeur heard her.
“It sure is.” He affirmed, his voice jolting Sera a bit.
Seraphina smiled. “You love it here too?”
He glanced at her briefly, hands steady on the wheel. “It’s always been my favorite city since I was small, ma’am. I’m glad to be here, even as just a driver that’s still striving to make more out of life.”
Seraphina’s smile softened. That touched her. And there was her who had the privileges and all, but life didn’t allow her claim it easy. Life was not balanced at all. She thought silently. “It’s only a matter of time before you get a better job, or start a business of your own. I believe in you.”
The chauffeur’s eyes flicked to her with a subtle warmth. “You are very kind. Master is lucky to have married a woman like you.”
Her heart skipped at the praises. It elevated her mood. “Thank you,”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”
“What’s your name again?” Seraphina asked.
“Kelvin.”
Seraphina was thinking about how she could later give him a position at her company if she later successfully end this contract and acquire all the wealth that was meant to be hers- when the moment’s tranquility shattered in an instant.
A black car swerved violently in front of theirs, screeching to a stop. Kelvin, slammed on the brakes immediately to avoid colliding with it. Seraphina’s hands gripped her seat as fear spiked inside her.
Just then, four men in black, masks on their faces, poured out of the vehicle, guns glinting under the neon lights as they approached their car in fast movements.
“Bend down!” the chauffeur shouted at Sera, reaching for his weapon, determination etched in every line of his face. Seraphina had no time to be surprised that Kelvin had a gun. She just badly hoped that they were able to get out of this situation or it ended up being a dream.
But before Kelvin could react further, his side of the car door was yanked open and before anyone could process it, a deafening gunshot rang out. Blood sprayed across Seraphina’s face instantly. At first, she thought it was her blood. She stilled, waiting for the pain to swallow her body whole, but no physical pain came.
That was when her eyes fell on Kelvin, the chauffeur- as he was collapsing into the seat, lifeless.
A scream tore from her throat as she stumbled back, pressed her hands to her face, the warm, sticky evidence of his fall smearing across her cheeks. Her mind tried to process what had happened- he had just been talking to her moments ago, calm, smiling…
And now…he was dead. She felt like she could run mad the more she processed it.
Her legs gave out as she slumped against the seat. Just then, someone- one of the men that attacked them, pressed a small cloth onto her nose. She grabbed his hands and struggled to remove it but he was strong. The sounds of the attackers closing in filled her ears.
The last coherent thought that registered before darkness claimed her was the chauffeur’s words before his untimely death: “Striving to make more out of life…”
Then, everything went black.